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ROAD TO THE DIVISION SERIES: The Royals went from wild-card and AL champions a year ago to the No. 1 seed in the AL post-season this year, two wins ahead of the Blue Jays.

The Royals clinched the AL Central early but the battle for first overall kept them interested to the end. The Astros have the likely Cy Young winner in LH Dallas Keuchel and a collection of hitters that are hit or miss, with a load of home runs and K’s. The Astros led the division most of the season, but had to bounce back after briefly dropping out of the playoff picture and finish strong for a wild-card.

STARTERS: The two wild-card concept with a one-game play-in should offer huge advantage to the Royals, because Astros ace LH Keuchel had to pitch on Tuesday. In his place is 19-game winner RH Collin McHugh, who will likely pitch Game 5. Johnny Cueto has been a disappointment for the Royals who had a comfortable lead as the AL’s best at the trade deadline. EDGE: Royals.

BULLPEN: The Royals do not have the same bullpen mystique as they did a year ago, now that closer Greg Holland is gone. Closer Wade Davis is still excellent, but the depth behind him has been reduced since he moved up. The Astros bullpen has been solid all season with CL Luke Gregerson backed by a veteran crew that is all at least 30-years-old and impervious to pressure. EDGE: Astros

LINEUP: The Royals are led by CF Lorenzo Cain, 1B Eric Hosmer, LF Alex Gordon and DH Kendrys Morales. The Astros are hoping for a breakout offensive post-season for 21-year-old SS Carlos Correa. Their triggerman is 2B Jose Altuve with the rest of the lineup, led by RF George Springer, good for mostly homers and strikeouts. EDGE: Royals

INTANGIBLES: The Astros believe they are what the Royals were a year ago. A.J. Hinch is more eloquent than Ned Yost, and the Royals have been there with a better team a year ago. EDGE: Astros

ROAD TO THE DIVISION SERIES: The Jays charged down the stretch the final two months, but after clinching the AL East and having a two-game lead in the overall AL standings were 1-4, ending up with the Rangers. The Rangers were another team that had a strong second half. After being out of the wild-card picture most of the year, they got a firm hold on a playoff spot and then eased by the Astros, clinching the AL West on the final day.

STARTERS: The Jays non-rostered a 15-game and a 13-game winner in Mark Buehrle and Drew Hutchison but have four starters that combined to go 37-20. The Rangers have their own Price in Hamels. Gallardo would not be as valuable in any other series, but is a Jays killer. EDGE: Blue Jays

BULLPEN: Both bullpens have inexperienced closers that have not been there before, Roberto Osuna for the Jays and Shawn Tolleson for the Rangers. Texas has some power arms in setup roles, but that does not scare the Jays lineup. The Jays pen has adapted to defined roles and LH Brett Cecil may be the best non-closer on either team. RH Aaron Sanchez regaining his mojo is key. EDGE: Blue Jays.

LINEUP: The Jays scored 99 more runs than any team in baseball and have a healthy SS Troy Tulowitzki back in the lineup to go with MVP candidate 3B Josh Donaldson, RF Jose Bautista and DH Edwin Encarnacion. The Rangers also have an impressive lineup, with strong finishes by RF Shin-Soo Choo, 3B Adrian Beltre and DH Prince Fielder. EDGE: Blue Jays

INTANGIBLES: The Jays have the Rogers Centre crowd and atmosphere that has swept up the players and a playing surface that is slow and unique. The Rangers are up against the Patriots and Cowboys in Game 3 and will feel like second class sporting citizens. EDGE: Blue Jays

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